N.C. Secretary of Commerce John Skvarla, right, takes questions from reporters following his presentation at the Legislative Building in Raleigh on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. Skvarla recently spent eight days in China on an economic development and trade mission. Chris Sewardcseward@newsobserver.com

N.C. Secretary of Commerce John Skvarla, right, takes questions from reporters following his presentation at the Legislative Building in Raleigh on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. Skvarla recently spent eight days in China on an economic development and trade mission. Chris Sewardcseward@newsobserver.com

NC commerce secretary visits China

N.C. Commerce Secretary John Skvarla recently returned from an eight-day trip to China.

Skvarla was in the country from Oct. 29 to Nov. 6 for an “economic development and trade mission,” a department spokeswoman confirmed this week.

“The Secretary met with government and business officials in Beijing, Changsha, Nanjing and Shanghai,” spokeswoman Kim Genardo said. “The purpose of this trip was to develop economic and trade relations, plus recruit additional foreign direct investment.”

The Carolinas Chinese Chamber of Commerce covered travel, lodging and food expenses for Skvarla’s trip. The group is a Charlotte-based nonprofit that serves “as an advocate of the Chinese business community,” according to its website.

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Under the Dome is your inside source on North Carolina politics and government and has been a regular feature in The N&O since 1934. Check here for the latest on state and federal government, political advocacy and upcoming elections. This blog is maintained by the N&O politics staff.